When he saw the referee collapse during UW-Parkside’s September 14 soccer match versus Upper Iowa University, senior midfielder Jamie Le Comte’s instinct was to rush to the referee’s aid and immediately call for help.
Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jason Zitzke saw the whole incident occur and was proud of the way La Comte reacted. “His first instinct was to help somebody. That’s what you hope all people would do in any of these situations I’ve ever been in with an injury,” Zitzke said.
The referee had suffered cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Responding to Le Comte’s calls, UW-Parkside Athletic Trainer Kaela Johnson rushed onto the field, assessed the referee’s condition, and immediately began performing CPR.
Coach Zitzke rushed an Automatic External Defibrillator onto the field, and Johnson deployed the device, which monitors vital signs and uses an electric shock to help a patient’s heart return to normal rhythm. The device did its job, and the referee’s heart rhythm was restored.
Soon after, Kenosha Fire Engine 6 and Med 6 arrived and transported the victim to the hospital. Scott Krueger, Deputy Fire Chief for the Kenosha Fire Department, explained the importance of the immediate actions by La Comte and the UW-Parkside staff members. Kruger explained, “Their quick actions provided lifesaving care during those critical early moments. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the value of public CPR training and accessible AEDs in our community.”
Krueger went on to say, “Early recognition, effective chest compressions, and rapid defibrillation are key links in the chain of survival—and in this case, they were successfully put into practice before emergency responders arrived. We extend our appreciation to those who acted without hesitation. Their willingness to step forward not only gave the patient the best possible chance of survival but also reflects the positive impact of community readiness and training.”
For UW-Parkside Athletic Director Adam Schemm, the events of that day demonstrate why UW-Parkside is such a special place. “We like to talk about how Parkside is personal,” Schemm said. “It’s a community of people who care deeply about our students and our community. We bring that caring, personal touch to everything we do here.”
Schemm said that the emergency action plan implemented by the Parkside Athletics department was instrumental in the timely actions by the athletes and staff members. He said that as part of their emergency preparedness, all UW-Parkside Athletics staff members are CPR and AED trained.
It wasn’t the first time this year that UW-Parkside staff have stepped up to help someone in a crisis. Over the summer, a Parkside staff member suffered cardiac arrest at work. Staff members performed CPR, deployed an AED, and were able to stabilize Mike Hawkins so he could be transported to the hospital. Sadly, Mike passed away, but not before his family was able to reach his bedside.
Amanda Andersen, UW-Parkside’s custodial services supervisor who previously worked as a 911 dispatcher, was among the first to respond. She, along with custodians Robert Williams and Rich Tomasek, maintenance staff member Jordan Sunday, and custodial lead Jon Swoboda, worked together to provide lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. “The way the facilities department responded to this life-saving situation made me proud. Our calm, quick action and willingness to help truly reflect the heart of our team,” Andersen said.
Chancellor Lynn Akey said she’s proud of students and staff who applied their training to be there for individuals in crisis. “We train for these situations, hoping they won’t happen,” Akey said. “In one instance, a life was saved. In another, the heroic actions of UW-Parkside Staff bought time for a family to say goodbye. I am so proud of our students and staff and I’m proud of the caring, personal atmosphere we have created on our campus. These kinds of emergencies could happen to any of us and it’s heartening to know there are selfless helpers here who will respond.”
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Written by UW-Parkside
Link to original story: https://www.uwp.edu/explore/news/f25livesavingefforts.cfm